AUBURN-OPELIKA, Ala. — With support from the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Inspirational Development Endowed Fund for Excellence, more than 8,650 students and educators experienced the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University during the 2025–26 season.
The fund supports the Gogue Center’s K–12 School Performance Series, which brings students from across the region to experience professional music, dance and theater, often providing young people with their first opportunity to experience live performing arts.
During the 2025–26 season, Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s fund supported six productions: Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical, Stuntboy, In the Meantime, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Peppa Pig: My First Concert and Hero: The Boy from Troy.
Together, the performances reached students from as many as 21 schools and 10 school districts.
“We are proud to partner with the Gogue Performing Arts Center to bring students into our community who might not otherwise ever have exposure to the arts or to Auburn University in general,” said Robyn Bridges, president and CEO of Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
Educator feedback throughout the season showed the impact extending beyond the theater. Teachers reported students returning to the classroom inspired to read and write, interested in learning more about music and the arts and even envisioning themselves as future performers.
Auburn-Opelika Tourism established the Inspirational Development Endowed Fund for Excellence to support K–12 programming and educational outreach at the Gogue Center. The partnership reflects Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s commitment to investing tourism resources back into programs that enhance quality of life and create opportunities for the community.
About Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. For more information, visit aotourism.com.